The Jimmy Garoppolo era in Las Vegas was an embarrassment for both parties. Garoppolo signed a three-year contract worth up to $72.75 million last offseason, and buyer’s remorse quickly set in. Garoppolo tossed nine interceptions in just six games as the Raiders starting quarterback. Over 5% of his pass attempts were intercepted, one of the highest rates in the league. Only Nick Mullens threw interceptions at a higher rate, with Tyson Bagent and Bailey Zappe in a similar range. A debacle in Detroit on Monday Night Football would mark the last time Garoppolo started for Las Vegas. He’s a clear cut candidate this offseason.
How the Raiders Can Fix Their Quarterback Problem
Trooper Rodney “Rod” Farva (Aidan O’Connell)
Aidan O’Connell, a fourth-round pick from Purdue, was thrust into action halfway through the season. The rookie appeared calm and composed beyond his years, providing a much-needed spark in the Sin City. The Raiders rallied behind O’Connell and interim head coach Antonio Pierce as they finished the season on a high note.
The elephant in the room is O’Connell was good enough, but not exactly good. Besides throwing fewer interceptions, his numbers weren’t much better than Garoppolo’s. O’Connell’s yards per attempt, completion percentage, and touchdown rate were notably lower than his predecessor.
Las Vegas made a few organizational changes this offseason that don’t bode well for O’Connell’s future. The general manager and offensive coordinator who handpicked O’Connell got fired recently. Typically, when a new regime takes over, they’re less loyal to the roster they’re inheriting. Between O’Connell’s draft capital, mediocre play, and moves made off the field, expect a quarterback change this offseason.
Pre-Draft Options
If the Raiders choose to acquire a quarterback before the draft, they have a few possible candidates. The first option is Justin Fields, reportedly on Chicago’s trade block. What’s intriguing about Fields is that Chicago’s previous offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy, was hired by Las Vegas. Things didn’t work out for them in Chicago, but it’s tough to tell who the blame belongs to. If Getsy and Fields got along well in their previous term, a reunion out west is in the cards.
A few big-name players hit free agency next week, and the Raiders could express interest in some of them. The most likely big-name candidate to land in Las Vegas is Russell Wilson. A former division rival of the Raiders, they’ve gotten firsthand looks at Wilson during his tenure with Denver. Better players are hitting the free agency market, but none are expected to sign with Las Vegas.
Instead, backup plans would consist of quarterbacks who have been backup plans themselves. Their options include players like Gardner Minshew, Ryan Tannehill, and Mason Rudolph. These quarterbacks have shown promising flashes but don’t move the needle. The Raiders would probably be better off honing in on O’Connell’s development.
Draft Prospects
Las Vegas has good odds of landing a premier prospect in this year’s draft. They own the 13th overall pick, and if they’re serious about acquiring a franchise quarterback, trading up is well within reason. It’s safe to assume a couple of the top prospects are out of reach, even if they trade up. Still, one of Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or J.J. McCarthy could fall into the Raiders’ range.
Given the depth of this quarterback class, drafting a promising prospect might not require spending a first-round pick. NFL Mock Draft Database, a website that combines hundreds of mock drafts and big boards, projects Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. falling to the second round. These quarterbacks aren’t the most exciting options, but they’re more than capable of being solid NFL starters.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
